Whitehaven head coach James Coyle has billed tomorrow’s derby against Workington Town as the biggest game of the season.
Haven go into the game after winning three of their last five fixtures, turning their season around since the defeat to Town at Blackpool’s Summer Bash.
They now sit in eighth spot and with just three games left to play before the leagues split at the end of July, the Haven boss is confident ahead of tomorrow’s game at The Recreation Ground.
“It’s a massive game and probably the biggest of the season, they have a good squad and it’ll certainly be a tough game,” Coyle said.
Coyle has made just one change to his squad after Jessie Joe Parker received a four-game ban for a dangerous throw.
Louis Jouffret has returned from France after fulfilling university commitments and has been named in the 19-man squad for tomorrow’s game.
Declan Hulme, Grant Gore and Ted Chapelhow are in on dual-registration from Widnes Vikings.
“We missed Louis last week and we ideally want to keep the same 13 week to week,” Coyle continued. “We’ve had to make an enforced change but Louis can come straight in.
“It’s also massive for us having someone like Declan who can come straight in.
“I think last week was the best game he’s played for us this year and he looks really sharp going into tomorrow’s game.
“Thibaut [Ancely] also played well last weekend. He was a bit rusty after not playing for a while but he gives us another option in our middle unit.”
Coyle said he was also delighted to have duo Chris Taylor and Richie Beaumont at the club on a permanent basis adding: “Going into the Super 8s it was a bit up in the air with who we would have on loan or on dual-registration so having these two at our club is a big deal.
“It also makes it easier for the players because they know they can concentrate on being with us until the end of the season and there’s no uncertainty there.”
Whitehaven’s 19-man squad: Aiye, Allen, Ancely, Beaumont, Brooks, Burns, Calvert, Chapelhow (DR), Coyle, Davies, Gore (DR), Hepi, Hulme (DR), Jouffret, McAvoy, Newton, Quinn, Taylor, Wilde
http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/sport/haven/coyle-workington-town-derby-is-biggest-game-of-season-1.1222263